TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's Centers for Disease Control (CDC, 疾管署) revealed on Tuesday (Nov. 26) that this flu season has seen 250 severe flu cases with complications, including 41 fatalities, from Oct. 1 to Nov. 25. This marks the highest number of severe cases and deaths for the same period in the past decade, with all deceased individuals unvaccinated this season, the CDC stated.
As the first cold front approaches, temperatures may drop to 12 degrees Celsius. The CDC anticipated a significant increase in flu activity by mid to late December, and urged seniors and young children to receive flu and COVID-19 vaccinations promptly.
CDC Deputy Director-General Philip Lo (羅一鈞) noted that flu consultations remain low with slight fluctuations in November. As of Nov. 25, approximately 5.29 million doses of government-funded flu vaccines have been administered, achieving a usage rate of 80.3%, with 1.295 million doses remaining. With the temperature drop, respiratory viruses are expected to become more active.
Hence, the CDC strongly advised high-risk groups, including those aged 65 and older, children, and individuals with chronic illnesses, to complete their flu and COVID-19 vaccinations soon to gain protection and reduce the risk of severe illness and death.